Lake Waco is a man made lake that was formed as a result of a dam that was built in 1929 to help control flooding along the Bosque River. The purpose of the reservoir was also to provide a reliable water source for the city of Waco.
In 1961, a modern earthen dam replaced the original dam structure which significantly increased the lake’s surface area from 2700 acres to approximately 8,400 acres.
With the construction of a new earthen dam in 1961, the water levels of the lake rose dramatically not only increasing the lake’s surface area from 2700 acres to about 8,400 acres, but also increasing the overall depth of the lake.
So, just how deep is Lake Waco? What about the average depth of the lake? These are things you probably want to know if you’re doing any fishing or other water related activities in Lake Waco.
How Deep Is Lake Waco?
Lake Waco has a maximum depth of 90 feet. However, the average depth of Lake Waco is 20 feet.
Who Maintains The Lake?
Waco Lake is currently maintained by the United States Army Engineering Corps and the Brazos River Authority.
Even though the lake’s primary function is to provide a reliable water supply for Waco, it also serves as a destination for all kinds of recreational activity, from boating, fishing, camping, hiking and much more.
Parks At Lake Waco
The construction of the new dam sparked debate in the Waco community about the development of community centers around Lake Waco. Many residents saw the lake as a source of civic pride and wished to expand the services the park could provide to the community. Along the dam, the US Army Engineering Corps encouraged the development of features such as wildlife habitats and parks.
Airport Park, Midway Park, Reynolds Creek Park, and Speegleville Park are the corps’ four parks that surround Lake Waco. These parks have camping and picnic areas, as well as several boat ramps and two marinas. They also provide areas for water sports, hunting and fishing, boating, and hiking.
Reynolds Creek Park’s Lacy Point Nature Trail is part of the National Trails System. Throughout the summer, educational programs on topics such as wildlife, lake history, and water safety are available to the general public.
Read More: How Long Is The Lake Waco Dam Trail?
Waco Wetlands
The Waco Wetlands are located at the upper end of Lake Waco, an environmental project established in 2001 to reduce habitat loss when the city raised the reservoir seven feet. This site, which is managed in collaboration with Baylor University, serves as a living laboratory for research, education, and recreation.
Lake Waco, which began as a civic project, has evolved into an important gathering place for the city due to the educational and recreational benefits it provides.
